News

Deputies Investigate Attempted First Degree Murder in Abingdon

Two Arrested, One Suspect Remains at Large

(Bel Air, Md. – May 8, 2006) — Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a home invasion and attempted first degree murder at a home in the 3100 block of Abingdon Road in Abingdon. The incident occurred shortly before midnight Sunday, May 7, 2006.

Deputy Sheriff’s arrested Richard Charles Schofield, 23, of the 2000 block of David Drive in Edgewood and charged him with breaking and entering, first degree assault and attempted first degree murder. Schofield and two other men allegedly forced entry into the home of Melissa Lynn Lowrey, 27, Schofield’s former girlfriend and assaulted her and Marc Edward Travers, 24, of Havre de Grace a friend of Ms. Lowrey.

Travers sustained serious knife wounds to both legs and was subsequently flown by Maryland State Police Medevac helicopter to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. He is currently listed in critical condition. Lowrey was transported to the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where she was treated for facial injuries and released.

Charles Christopher Fruhling, 21, of the 1900 block of Chipper Drive in Edgewood, also a suspect in the assault on Travers was arrested Monday morning at a home on Falconer Road in Joppatowne.

The third suspect who remains at large is Matthew Dewight Tingler, 23, of the 300 block of Oakway Court in Joppa. Tingler is described as a white male, 5’ 10”, 200 pounds with hazel eyes and blonde hair.

Schofield was arraigned before a Harford County District Court Commissioner early Monday and was incarcerated in the Harford County Detention Center on $1 million bond. Fruhling was also arraigned Monday afternoon in Harford County and was held without bond.

Criminal investigators with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation of the assault. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Matthew Tingler is requested to contact investigators at 410-836-5442. Additionally Harford County Crime Solvers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of Tingler. Tipsters must call the 24-hour tip-line at 1-800-540-TIPS to be eligible for the reward. All information will be kept strictly confidential.